Troopers, Local Law Enfocement Continue Effort to Keep Drivers Safe This Holiday Weekend

Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Motor Carrier Compliance (MCCD) Division will continue their work through the New Year holiday weekend to keep impaired drivers off the road.

“The Georgia Department of Public Safety will have an increased focus on patrolling the interstates and highways this holiday season to encourage safe driving behaviors and to reduce crashes. We are expecting to see a significant increase in traffic and congestion on Georgia roadways. We ask everyone to please plan ahead, buckle up, and drive responsibly,” said Colonel Billy Hitchens, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

The 78-hour-long New Year’s holiday travel period gets underway Friday, December 29, at 6:00 p.m., and ends at 11:59 p.m., on Monday, January 2, 2024.

“The Georgia Department of Public Safety would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We want to encourage all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways. Drivers need to conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, obey the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, and ensure that all children are properly restrained,” said Hitchens. “Do not drive impaired or distracted and please be patient as you travel,” added Colonel Hitchens.

In addition to increased traffic, the end of the year is also the time when Troopers and Officers see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on Georgia’s roads.

“This time of year, there is an increase in social gatherings with our friends, loved ones, and work families where there is a greater likelihood of alcohol being consumed,” said Colonel Hitchens. “Always have a plan to have a sober driver to help make our roads safer for everyone. With multiple rideshare options available, there is no excuse for someone to drink and drive. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” added Colonel Hitchens.

This weekend, the Best and Worst Travel Times to Travel by Car, according to the GSP include early Friday morning or between 2p – 8p.

On Saturday and Sunday, New Year’s Eve, GSP advises traveling between 5p – 7p or before noon.

Over the Christmas holiday weekend, GSP reported an unofficial count of 14 deaths on Georgia roads.

None of those were in the Franklin, Hart, or Stephens County areas.